Yorba Linda jogger fends off attack by knife-wielding man

Approximate location, shown in red, where a jogger was attacked in Yorba Linda.

Approximate location, shown in red, where a jogger was attacked in Yorba Linda. (Google Maps)

Kate Linthicum

A woman jogging in Yorba Linda was able to fend off an attack by a knife-wielding man Thursday morning as he attempted to steal her iPod, authorities said.

The attack occurred on a trail near Imperial Highway and Valley View Avenue, according to Orange County Sheriff's Department Lt. Jeff Hallock.

The man grabbed the woman from behind, brandished a knife, and attempted to steal the woman's iPod. When the 39-year-old woman fought back, her assailant ran away and hid in the area. The victim called authorities, who arrived at the scene and set up a perimeter around the area.

According to Hallock, deputies found the suspect hiding in a vacant lot behind some pallets.

The suspect, who has been identified as 19-year-old Matthew Weingartner, was taken to a hospital for treatment for dog bites and knife wounds he sustained while Orange County sheriff's deputies were arresting him.

Weingartner was expected to be booked on suspicion of attempted robbery, kidnap with intent to commit robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest, Hallock said.